National solar provider Energy Matters is among the first Australian solar power retailers to sign on to the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC’s) newly-established Voluntary Code of Conduct.
In September, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) granted authorisation to the Code of Conduct, which aims to further enhance consumer confidence and consumer protection in the PV retail sector; plus further improve solar retailer standards and compliance.
Energy Matters was one of a number of leading retailers, consumer groups, government and regulatory bodies involved with developing the standards; a brief summary of which can be viewed here.
“The general principles of the code of conduct are something Energy Matters has always observed,” says CEO Jeremy Rich. “As a signatory to this code; it serves as a more formal way of communicating what we hold to be important and the commitment we have to our customers and the industry”.
While the industry has seen the exit of many cowboys over the last few years; consumers still need to be diligent in selecting a solar provider.
A solar installer participating in the Code Of Conduct program acts as an extra reassurance to potential purchasers that they will receive accurate information, the system purchased will be as described, will perform as indicated and installation executed to the required standard.
Additionally, all signatories will provide a standard minimum warranty period of five years relating to the operation and performance of the entire solar panel system; including workmanship and components.
While the Code provides extra peace of mind, it pays for consumers to be fully conversant with various aspects of solar power systems before making a purchase decision. In addition to its participation in the Code; Energy Matters also offers its popular free 23 page Consumer Guide To Buying Solar Power. The guide has been downloaded over 13,000 times since it was first released.
